It’s difficult to form an opinion on the new Chili Peppers single, “The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie.” Many assumed that the new album would suffer without the presence of guitarist John Frusciante, and “Maggie” signifies yet another change in their eclectic sound. Not necessarily for the better. It sounds like the Chilis, alright, but there’s no drive to it. Let’s not talk about the lyrics.

Their tenth full-length, I’m With You, is released next month in the UK. In an unprecedented move, the band will be screening a performance of the album in its entirety at your local multiplex. The limited release is planned for 30th August, and you can head over to the official site for a list of participating cinemas.

The Chilis also announced a UK/Ireland arena tour for November, with two nights at London’s O2. I’m With You lands 8th September.

Speaking of bands that divide opinion, Alexisonfire have consistently challenged audiophiles over the last ten years. Their sound may not work for you, but you’ve got to admire their disregard for mainstream taste. They were unique in a sea of uninspired pap. Sadly, after a decade and four albums, they’ve decided to split.

Frontman George Petitt announced the news via the band’s official site, when guitarists Dallas Green and Wade MacNeil quit. He seems to be rather hurt over the situation:

“Was the break up amicable? Not really. Was it necessary? Probably. Regardless, the members of this band are my family and I wish them nothing but good fortune. Replacing one guitar player/singer/writer was something we thought was possible, but replacing two would run the serious legacy of what we achieved.”

The band are planning a final tour in their native Canada to celebrate their 10th anniversary. No word on a potential UK show.

I can’t wait for the new Kasabian album. West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum finally made me a fan of the experimental group, a wonderful record that gets better and better on each spin. The new album is dubbed Velociraptor! and hits 19th September. I’ve already digested the first single, “Days Are Forgotten,” which is so wonderfully Kasabian while pushing their style in a new, intriguing direction. It also seems to reference the work of Ennio Morricone, which is never a bad thing.

Proving that you can never predict what this band will do next, they’ve announced a collaboration with rapper LL Cool J. Apparently the Deep Blue Sea star heard the track and offered his services. The alternate version of “Days” will be included on the single as a B-side, with the previously unreleased song “Pistols At Dawn.” Admit it, you can’t wait to hear this.

“It’s heavier than I thought it would be. It squares up to you and doesn’t leave you alone. It’s really in your face. It’s a real jukebox album, just tune after tune, with really strong verses and really strong choruses.”

Record of the year? It wouldn’t surprise me. A UK tour is planned for November.

Finally, a shout-out to comedic rockers The Darkness, who are in the midst of attempting a comeback. The band reunited this year for a show at Download, which was their first performance since 2006. According to Justin Hawkins, the third album is almost finished. It will be produced by Smashing Pumpkins and Queen collaborator Roy Thomas Baker, and is expected sometime in 2012. Hawkins had the following to say about the untitled album:

“To use one analogy, the house is built. And it’s a lovely house. How we decorate it is the next conundrum. We’re getting to the stage where it’s like, how much do we want to blow it? We could do all those big Queen arrangements, it’s just whether we want to. Do you overblow it? Do you underblow it? Do you cup the sack while administering said blowjob? Do you pop a finger up the arse? We have to decide how the happy ending goes. As for influences, it’s AC/DC, Queen, Aerosmith, et cetera.”